site.btaBulgarian National Wanted on European Arrest Warrant Arrested for Involvement in International Organized Crime Group

The General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC) has arrested a 32-year-old Bulgarian for involvement in an international organized crime group engaged in extortion, blackmail, and murder, the Interior Ministry said.

The man is wanted on a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Public Prosecution Office Amsterdam. The man was detained in a GDCOC raid in Sofia on October 3, with weapons and ammunition found in his possession. The detainee is suspected of extortion and illegal possession of weapons on the territory of the Netherlands.

The operation was carried out as part of an international investigation. Three addresses and two motor vehicles connected to the detainee were raided in Bulgaria on the basis of a European Investigation Order. A customized combat pistol with scratched-off numbers and a silencer, two magazines, and 19 rounds of ammunition for the weapon were seized at one of the addresses. Documents and notes relevant to the investigation were also found. Two mobile phones were also seized. Seven other firearms (five pistols and two rifles) and 1,000 rounds of ammunition were found at two other addresses owned by a person connected to the detainee.

The man is remanded in custody. The Dutch authorities have requested his extradition, the Interior Ministry said.

In another raid carried out on October 1, a crime group involved in extortion of debtors was neutralized.